A Statewide Student Movement to End Hunger
Students Change Hunger (SCH) is a New Jersey-wide initiative that empowers students to take action against food insecurity. From September 12, 2025, through January 26, 2026, schools and youth organizations across the state will host food drives and fundraisers to support their local food banks and help feed our neighbors in need.
Mercer Street Friends proudly leads this campaign in Mercer County, inviting schools to join our Grades of Giving Winter Warm-up Drive, themed around building hearty vegetarian chili baskets for families.
During the 2024/2025 SCH campaign, 50 schools participated, donating 41,323+ pounds of food and $35,286 to benefit New Jersey food banks. In total, these donated resources supported 140,294 meals for neighbors in need.
2025–2026 Theme: Hearty Vegetarian Chili with Rice
Each grade level is assigned a specific item to contribute to the chili-themed food baskets:
| Grade | Item to Donate |
| Kindergarten | Applesauce or Pudding Cups |
| 1st Grade | Hot Cocoa Mix |
| 2nd Grade | Instant Cookie Mix |
| 3rd Grade | Cornbread Mix |
| 4th Grade | Chili Seasoning Packet |
| 5th Grade | White or Brown Rice |
| 6th Grade | Canned Mixed Vegetables |
| 7th Grade | Shelf-Stable or Powdered Milk |
| 8th Grade | Instant Oatmeal Packets |
| 9th Grade | Canned Fruit |
| 10th Grade | Canned Corn |
| 11th Grade | Canned Beans (Kidney, Black, or Pinto) |
| 12th Grade | Canned Diced Tomatoes |
Who Should Register?
Schools and youth organizations located in Mercer County should register with Mercer Street Friends.
Our Statewide Partners
Be the change in Mercer County
- Click here to register your school and join Mercer Street Friends Food Bank in helping our neighbors in need.
- Online fundraising will also be available for the duration of the drive, from September 12, 2025 through January 26, 2026.
Creative Food Drive Ideas
- Boost engagement with these fun and easy ways to host your drive:
- Send home flyers with donation ideas. Invite local businesses to sponsor a grade.
- Fill the Bus
- Collect donations to fill a school bus. Promote the date and celebrate the impact! #FillTheBus
- Drive-In Movie Night
- Host an outdoor movie—entry is a food donation. Bring blankets and enjoy! #MovieNightFundraiser
- Virtual Drive
- Set up an online fundraiser and share it. Donations go directly to Mercer Street Friends.
- Raffle for a Cause
- Give raffle entries for donations. Prizes can be simple and fun!
- Classroom Competitions
- Challenge classrooms by grade bands to collect the most themed items.
- Donation Tracker
- Use a bulletin board to show progress by grade with themed visuals.
- Student-Led Promotions
- Let students promote their grade’s item via announcements, posters, and mini-presentations.
- Themed Spirit Days
- Pair donation days with dress-up themes.
- Cozy Cocoa Day – Wear sweaters, bring cocoa mix
- Veggie Power Day – Dress in green, bring canned veggies
- Pair donation days with dress-up themes.
- Family & Community Help
- Send home flyers with donation ideas. Invite local businesses to sponsor a grade.
